DA added and changed a number of things in the last few / several years to the site, both from a UI and site-wide area. However, they also implemented a non-opt out AI/NFT practice that, if memory serves me right, subjected your whole gallery to it without your consent. I don't recall if that was then given a later update to allow artists to opt out of it, but I'd put about as much faith and trust in DA as I would Twitter at this point.

Ultimately, post where you feel most comfortable! I just hope your work is safe wherever you decide to use.

Oh I've heard about this whole AI shtick there, it pretty much upset me too at the time.
At the very least they've added the option not to allow third-party AIs to use your art but as far as I know there's no escape from their own AI training on them.
I'm quite catious about DA but there isn't that much options either.
Twitter has been a total flop, too, eh.

I'm thinking about trying Weasyl rn.

Weasyl could definitely use an influx of users. It's got a folder system like FA / Toyhouse, a reasonable profile system, and has a fair UI (it could use a little work, I will admit). The issue with WL is it just needs a solid userbase / growth, and some bugfixing, and a little financial boost to get itself up with the times and it could easily be a competitor to FA. There was the whole 'drama' over it being better or worse than FA a long time ago but all of that died down for the most part. I've seen a fair amount of artists that I follow here on FA cross-post to WL often. Out of pure personal opinion, of course, I would love to see Weasyl pick up some traction and really push itself out into its own. I've been using it since it started and if you can get past the occasional hiccup it has had, or may have, I'd say give it a shot! It has been far more stable and less drama / toxicity filled compared to Twitter, FA, or elsewhere.

I know it was mentioned below, but I'd also avoid Inkbunny. The site allows UAA/CP art posting, trafficking, profiting, and I, for one, would like to see it shut down indefinitely. It's why the ban of such content here on FA saw a surge of artists leave here in favor of IB.

I'd really love to see a new platform grow, ngl.
I think I should give Weasyl another shot! I did register there but I never had enough strength to actually fill up my account.

Oh and thank you for warning me about IB, I'll be careful. I wouldn't like to associate with such platform.

If you do make a WL, would love to give you a follow there once you get it all smoothed out.
And no worries, hope the information helps and you find something that fits your needs!

Well. If the recent flood of FA journals is any indication. Artists an quite popufur ones have been opening up Bluesky and Itaku accounts and moving a good about of their works there. I'm been spending more time in recent years on Weasyl and IB. I've seen many good artists an animator make E621 their primary upload site.

Oh I've heard about Bluesky at the very least but not about Itaku. Are both of them any good in your opinion?
I myself would rather wait a little for now and see where it all goes. If any of those hold around longer than instagram threads did I might give them an try if I even can register there that is...
And since you have experience with Weasyl I'd love to ask you a few thing if you don't mind!
How does one make themselves visible there - is it easy to search for random new artists?
And are there any tools to help you to search for someone to commission?

I can't say much about bluesky. It's a closed system so you need an account to see any kind of art. Itaku is a basic smooth flowing design with two or three stage confirm for the nsfw stuff. However no need for a login unless the artists asks for it to which so far none of my regular FA watches on Itaku have hidden.. I stopped going on twitter since it's now account visible only and it's been rather unstable in the past year. Instagram i use more than youtube theses day since YT implemented that P.C. watch dog nonsense.
I've had a DA account for decades and i don't go their much unless it for a certain artist that doesn't have a broad presence. Forget facebook, it got to the point that i needed a vpn to see the artists since it was blocking Canadian access for no good reason.
Bluesky and Itaku seem to be a sanctuary from being persecuted since around 60+% of the artist there have had good reason to find a much less public safe haven.
As for commission on those sites. There are a few options including a direct payment, Kofi also seems allowed but i don't know how large a transactions they allow at the moment.
I did try a 275$ USD commision and it took some it took some to go through. However the transfer wasn't stalled like what patreon or paypall does.
Itaku seems the best to start with before going to bluesky's full on privacy. At least it will give you some experience with the new art access styles out there.

Aw, thank you! That sure was helpful. I think I could consider Bluesky down the road.
I'm not really looking for a private presence but a cozy community sounds very nice.

Eclipse, the new layout, took over. The introduction of AI was added.
(there's a lot of backlash about that) I feel like the algorithm is worse than it used to be.
I personally had to leave the site as it was hard to get traction after not drawing for 2 1/2 years.
DA is sadly not like what it used to be in the old days :( But if you find it worth while then awesome~

I also did try to hop onto DA a couple of years ago I believe and aside of, like, one of my artworks gaining some traction I got nothing, felt very disappointed and left. But this time around it feels different. At least so far.
I am quite confused, really. Maybe I just got lucky?
And I do miss the 2010s of DA, too… Ah simple times those were.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! ^^

It could be luck if that's the case that's awesome :0
I miss the old DA days too this new "modern" DA makes me cringe.
You're most welcome ^^